With the launch of the forensic urine specimen collection kit in all emergency departments in Quebec starting on December 1st, 2023 (bit.ly/3RsSZay), the Support Service would like to make sure that certain information and protocols remain clear for designated centres.

The forensic urine specimen collection kit uses basically the same type of test and the same type of screening performed by the Laboratoire des sciences judiciaires et de médecine légale (LSJML) as the urine test in the forensic kit. The forensic urine specimen collection kit does not use a new or more advanced technology in terms of collection or screening. It is therefore not necessary to use a forensic urine specimen collection kit for victims of sexual assault. The urine test contained in the forensic kit is sufficient.

Moreover, any patient who goes to a healthcare facility and is unsure whether they have been sexually assaulted as a result of loss of consciousness or memory due to intoxication should always be referred to the designated centre. The forensic urine specimen collection kit should only be used for patients who are certain that no potential sexual assault took place during the period of loss of consciousness or memory.

Finally, the medico-social intervention protocol concerning police involvement remains the same. The forensic and medico-social kits can be completed before the victims decide to initiate legal proceedings.

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For questions concerning the medico-social intervention, please contact the Support Service.

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The Support Service team
Allied with designated centres across Québec